Phia Moore confesses and confronts inner demons in "what color is your monster?" EP
Photographer: Sam Navarro, Image courtesy of Playlists & Polaroids
Phia Moore has dropped her confessional sophomore EP, what color is your monster? Following a string of recent single releases, which all showcase various angles of Phia’s heartfelt and thought-provoking songwriting, the budding singer-songwriter continues to examine the multitude of layers within one’s mind.
In each track, Phia develops a unique “monster” in her head. The opening track “monster” establishes the EP’s concept of painful yet necessary introspection; writing it kickstarted a cathartic process of emotional release for Phia. what color is your monster? explores the individual and collective roles of these personas in her daily life. Phia deliberately crafted the EP’s tracklist so that the songs tie into one another, revealing an overarching string of stories to anyone who looks for it.
To name some highlights, this project sees Phia detailing her overapologetic tendencies in “people pleaser,” exploring the meaning of pessimism in “half empty,” and finding parallels between the weather and heartbreak in “autumn’s broken pieces.” Aided by Rob Seals’ brilliant production choices, Phia’s autobiographical songwriting effectively engulfs listeners into new atmospheres. In addition to a lingering sonic impact, Phia leaves her audience with an invitation to dissect their own “monsters.”
“This project is a mirror. It forces me to look at my own inner monsters that are sometimes scary, and yet also make me who I am,” she explains. “I hope it gives listeners a chance to look in their own mirror and feel as though they aren't alone.”
Much of Phia’s artistry stems from visual inspiration - such as Pinterest mood boards, color associations, and thorough world-building - setting her apart from her peers in bedroom pop. For example, to set the scene for recording what color is your monster?, Phia assigned visual identities to her internal “monsters” and enlisted an artistically inclined friend to create cartoon-style drawings for each. Additionally, Phia’s methods of composing by ear free her from the technical bounds of sheet music and contribute to her authenticity. “It is my way of being and living versus a skill to acquire,” she describes.
MEET PHIA MOORE
Hailing from Long Beach, CA, Phia discovered her love for performing through a middle school vocal ensemble. Her late choir director always reminded her to make meaningful music, words she continues to live by to this day. At age 16, Phia enrolled in the Songwriting School of Los Angeles, where she discovered the power of music to help her embrace her vulnerability and make others feel less alone.
Phia also studies child development at CSULB; this part of her education and her experience working at a preschool largely fuels her artistry as well. She allows children’s carefree and imaginative nature to widen her own perspective as a songwriter and mental health advocate.
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